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Quality Assurance Engineer

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) Richland, Washington, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $109,013 - $151,038 / year

Posted Feb 12, 2026Apply by Mar 14, 2026

Role & seniority: Quality Assurance Engineer (QAE), Grade 18 (experience level) or Grade 19 (senior scope) at Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C).

Stack/tools: Quality Assurance and Quality Control engineering; supplier oversight; development/approval of QA programs, SOWs, and specifications; knowledge of NQA-1 (2008/2009), ASME standards; potential NQA-1 Lead Assessor/Auditor and Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) qualifications (desired).

Top 3 responsibilities

  1. Develop, establish, and maintain QA policies, procedures, and oversight plans; apply QA theories and methods.

  2. Lead/pl anc supplier oversight activities across design, procurement, fabrication, testing, and receipt inspection; plan witness/hold/oversight points.

  3. Provide QA support to ensure items/components meet governing documents; conduct/lead system audits and surveillances; review supplier QA programs and contract documents.

Must-have skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field; 7 years (Grade 18) or 9 years (Grade 19) relevant experience.

  • Experience in quality assurance in nuclear or highly regulated environments.

  • Demonstrated supplier oversight across multiple project phases; ability to work independently.

  • Familiarity with QA standards (NQA-1) and ASME equivalents; exposure to procurement/ fabrication/ testing oversight.

Nice-to-haves

  • NQA-1 Lead Assessor/Auditor certification.

  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

  • Prior nucl

Full Description

Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) delivers exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. H2C leads the nation's largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup, including closure of the legacy waste tanks at Hanford containing 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste.

Joining H2C means becoming part of a team dedicated to creating "The Solution Today for a Better Tomorrow." At H2C, our culture is deeply rooted in our Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors, which guide our efforts on the Hanford Site and within our communities. Our vision to tackle the Department of Energy's largest environmental challenge reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. We strive to deliver exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. Our values emphasize living safely, acting with integrity, and working collaboratively as a team. We encourage innovation, personal accountability, and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute to our mission and celebrate our achievements. By embracing these principles, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact today and for the future.

H2C seeks a Quality Assurance Engineer (QAE), who under general supervision, is responsible for providing Quality Assurance and Quality Control Engineering services in support of H2C activities. This role involves providing Procurement Quality Assurance functions through multiple business phases, applying oversight both internally to H2C and externally to Vendors. Additionally, the QAE collaborates and serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Quality with internal stakeholders working to Make It Better, developing solutions and strategies to deliver the respective work scopes.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Applies Quality Engineering theories, methods, and research techniques in the development, establishment, and maintenance of quality assurance policies, procedures, and methods.
  • Applies Quality Engineering theories, methods, and techniques in the application of Supplier Oversight, to include; supplier oversight planning in Quality Assurance Requirements development, Supplier Evaluation and Selection, Design, Procurement, Fabrication, Testing, and Receipt Inspection.
  • Works independently to provide reasonable assurance on assigned work scopes.
  • Participates or leads project-wide system audits as directed by quality management.
  • Participates or leads surveillances on a wide matter of requirement areas with the ability to plan and execute oversight(s) internally and at the vendor level.
  • Provides quality assurance support(s) to ensure that items, parts, and components are acquired and installed in accordance with governing documents.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Establishment of quality assurance requirements for assigned work scopes. Review and approval of supplier quality assurance programs. Development, review, and approval of statements of work, specifications, and other contract documents.
  • Establishment, planning, and implementation of quality assurance oversight plans for assigned projects. To include, witness points, hold points, and oversights throughout multiple project phases.
  • Development of receipt inspection plans.
  • Direct, boots on the ground oversight of suppliers, during multiple project phases, on-site or in the vendor facility/location, as applicable.
  • The quality assurance engineer will be responsible for projects and activities from conceptualization though design, procurement, fabrication, testing, delivery / receipt.
  • Travel will be required for this position, as much as 20% depending on the phase and work assignment.
  • On-Site oversight may be required, as applicable.

Required Qualifications

Grade 18

  • Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Science or related field and 7 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Grade 19

  • Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Science or related field and 9 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.

Desired Qualifications Previous Quality Assurance Experience in the nuclear industry. Previous experience in oversight of vendors, to include shop fabrication. Current or previous qualification as an NQA-1 Lead Assessor/Auditor. Current or previous qualification as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Working knowledge of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) NQA-1-2008/2009A or equivalent edition.

Compensation & Benefits In accordance with the company's philosophy on compensation for exempt and salaried non-exempt employees, H2C takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining initial grade and salary to include assigned job scope and responsibility, a candidate's qualifications as compared to internal comparators performing in a similar role, and the external labor market. A salary offer will be made at the appropriate grade level and within the targeted hiring range posted according to these factors. Note a candidate's prior salary history will not be taken into consideration.

Hiring Range Minimum: $109,013

Hiring Range Maximum: $151,038

H2C offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visit https://hmis.hanford.gov/hr/page.cfm/HEWTBenefits

Depending on the nature of your employment with H2C, you can expect the following

  • A business casual dress work environment: jeans are permissible (restrictions may apply).

  • Opportunity for work/life balance: a standard 4 x 10 work schedule, allowing more personal time to enjoy life outside of the office (other schedules and/or shift work may be required).

Note: employment at H2C involves working in the office or in the field depending on the role.

Relocation Funding Provided: Yes

U. S. Citizenship Required: Yes

Clearance Required: No

Job Classification: Exempt

Shift Work Required: No

Quality AssuranceQuality Control EngineeringProcurement Quality AssuranceSupplier OversightQuality EngineeringAuditsSurveillancesSpecification ReviewStatement of Work DevelopmentReceipt Inspection PlanningNQA-1ASMEWelding Inspectionmulti-locationreview:company

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